1. What makes your program different from
other programs, or what made you choose your program?
Faculty, staff, and residents. We have a very collegial and
friendly atmosphere, which makes working fun.
2.
If not answered above, what's the best aspect of your program?
I
think aside from the great work environment above, the next best
aspect is our depth of training: 6 total months of Peds ED
training, 4 ICU months, as well as tons of adult ED months.
3.
Are there any major upcoming changes to your program?
We
are changing to electronic T-system on July 18th 2006.
4.
Is there anything you would change about your program if you
could?
No.
5.
How much are you responsible for blood draws, putting in IVs,
etc.?
The
only time we place IV's is when 3 nurses can't get it, and we
place an EJ or ultrasound guided peripheral IV. Other than
that, our ancillary staff is very capable and we don't do any
nursing duties.
6.
Do you learn mostly from attendings, other residents, or
textbooks? Does this vary when you do off-service rotations?
Personally I learn mostly from attendings. When on off service
rotations I usually read the EM textbook chapter about what
service I'm on that month, and try to learn from the residents.
It's more difficult to get good teaching out of off-service
attendings.
7.
How does EMed rank in your hospital's hierarchy?
Near
the top. We are one of the oldest in the hospital (and the
country), and all of our "turf battles" have been fought and
won.
8.
What are the perks that your school provides (PDAs, textbooks,
conference fees, meal tickets, etc.)?
$150
stipend for PDA of your choice; provides copy of Harwood-Nuss
and Rosen; $500 book money; $1500 stipend for any conference you
want to attend, as well as a free trip to any conference if you
are presenting a poster/paper; breakfast and dinner in the
cafeteria when you are on call; free monogrammed lab coats and
scrubs. I'm sure I'm missing some.
9.
How do you rate your rotations outside of the emergency
department?
I
usually hate them when I'm working there, but afterwards I look
back and realize how much I actually learned while on that
rotation. I give them a 7/10 (on average).
10. What's the
best elective you've done?
I've
only done one elective (only 2 months of elective available in
our residency) - ultrasound.
11.
How much does your program focus on research?
You
can go all out if you are into it - we have a great research
director (David Cline) and several assistant research directors
who will help you do anything you want to do. If you aren't
into it, you just have to complete the RRC mandated "scholarly
project."
12.
What do you love and hate most about the city you're in?
Love
- outdoor festivals, Warthogs baseball games, low cost of
living, great restaurants, 3 hours from the beach, 2 hours from
the mountains. Hate - lack of a singles scene.
13.
Please describe your typical month in terms of work hours and
days off.
My
month is atypical due to chief duties, so I'll describe a
regular resident's schedule: HOI 22-24 8-hour shifts a month.
HO2 20-22 8-hour shifts a month (12s on 2 weekends a month).
HO3 18-20 8-hour shifts a month (12s on 2 weekends a month).
Off service hours vary, but mostly right at 80 hour workweeks.
14.
How much time do you spend off-duty with the other residents?
At
least once a week I hang out with another resident or two at a
bar, someone's house, a baseball game, etc.
15.
Do you have any international experience?
Several of our residents and faculty do mission work, most
recently to Bolivia and Haiti. Personally, I have been to
Europe twice during residency (but just for fun, not medicine).
16.
What are your plans after residency?
I'd
like to work at a high-volume community ED, preferably here in
North Carolina.
17.
How prepared do you feel?
Even
though I'm just starting my HO3 year, I feel very prepared to
practice emergency medicine.
18. Is there anything you'd like to tell us that we haven't
asked?
Moonlighting is allowed in our program - as an HO2 internally in
our Fast Track at $45 an hour. As an HO3, there are several
outside opportunities from $100-$120 an hour.
19.
Do you have any advice for current applicants, or is there
anything you wish you'd known when you were applying?
Be
yourself. You have to have good numbers to get an interview,
but from there we select residents with personality. We have to
want to work with you for the next 3 years to rank you.
